We woke up to the sound of the ocean. It was so refreshing and perfect. The B&B was quiet except for the occasional clanking of dishes from the kitchen down the hall. We ate through a huge, delicious breakfast from our host that included a mountain of fresh fruit. She recommended a short hike that … Continue reading Voyage South Africa—Plettenberg Bay to Swellendam
We were already getting on another airplane after just two days in Jo’Burg. The next few days would be spent driving the Garden Route along South Africa’s southern coast. This part of the trip was added late in the game after I unearthed a mountain of information about the beautiful the coastline along the route. … Continue reading Voyage South Africa—Port Elizabeth to Plettenberg Bay
Woke up in our 2-bedroom hotel “apartment” that cost the equivalent of $75 a night. The conversion rate in SA was still blowing my mind. Breakfast by the mall set us back a mere few dollars, with the bonus of mocking “touristy” tourists outside our window as they awaited the arrival of the Big Red … Continue reading Voyage South Africa—Apartheid Museum and Johannesburg History
South Africa has been on my mind for months. We have this local wine bar in Yorkville called Kaia that is South African-owned, and we’ve never once had a plate of food or glass of wine that wasn’t perfect (try the baked lemons). The best part about it is sitting at the bar, shamelessly exploiting … Continue reading Exploring South Africa—15 Hours to Johannesburg
July to November—that’s how long I’ll go without traveling. My estimate doesn’t include ad hoc family trips or one weekend escape to Fire Island, but my tolerance for staying put has never been good. My current level of “stir crazy” is reaching a precipitous peak and the cyclical routine of my days is palpable. South … Continue reading Thai Basil Beef with Beet Salad & Red Veined Sorrel
We got into Farmington, NM just before the skies opened and unleashed a furry of rain. Scrambling towards the quiet downtown area, we got lost in plates full of steak and potatoes and glasses brimming with beer from 3 River Brewery. The brewery also owns a pizzeria, restaurant, distillery, and lounge on the same block. … Continue reading Southwest Summer Road Trip—Farmington to Santa Fe
The drive from Page, AZ to Farmington, NM was quintessential Southwest. The roads were long and sweeping. It was easy and comfortable to pull to the side of the road whenever you needed a breath or a picture. Instead of feeling like a slave to your car, there is a sense of control over the … Continue reading Southwest Summer Road Trip—Monument Valley
We awoke to another light-flooded morning sky in the little town of Kanab. Our drive for the day was fairly short—just 1.5 hours to Page, AZ to hike through Lower Antelope Canyon. Before leaving town, we stopped at Kanab Creek Bakery (a “can’t miss” according to my mother who was there last year) for some … Continue reading Southwest Summer Road Trip—Lower Antelope Canyon
Ahhhhhh…back on the road. It’s just like coming home. This trip was somewhat of an afterthought once we had secured dates for our bigger excursions in the spring and fall. I wasn’t sure I could go a year before coming back to the Southwest. July is far from an “ideal” time to visit Arizona, Utah, … Continue reading Southwest Summer Road Trip—Small Town Fireworks in Utah
My commitment to blogging has waned in recent months. I’d like to pretend that my pervasive laziness is due to an exceptionally taxing day job or having to chase after children, but those would be lies. My contribution to society has been more or less limited to financially supporting the wine industry and Manhattan bodegas. … Continue reading Sweet Summer Squash Fritters
